Labor Relations Manager

Minnesota Direct Care and Treatment; Saint-Paul; Hybrid; CAD 135,000 - 193,000; Full time

Job summary

The Department of Children, Youth, and Families (DCYF) in Minnesota is hiring a Labor Relations Manager to lead the LR team, oversee investigations, and advise on contract interpretations. This role contributes to the department's mission by managing the work unit and guiding staff.

You will train direct and indirect staff, develop and share LR consulting practices, and collaborate with management and unions to address complex employee relations issues while upholding state policies and fairness.

Qualifications

• Five years of labor or employee relations experience.
• Experience with collective bargaining negotiations.
• Experience writing investigative reports and handling grievances.
• Strong leadership and conflict-management skills.
• Ability to develop collaborative relationships with employees, management, and unions.

Responsibilities

• Manage the work unit within the Labor Relations team.
• Instruct and train direct and indirect staff.
• Ensure LR staff receive development opportunities and experience in consulting, employee relations, and investigations.
• Provide LR guidance, standards and best practices to management and staff.

Skills

Leadership

Employee relations

Conflict management

Collaborative skills

Project leadership

Education

Master's degree in HR / JD

Job description

• Regular/Temporary: Limited, expected to last up to 3/30/2027.
• Who May Apply: Open to all qualified job seekers.
• Date Posted: 09/03/2026
• Closing Date: 09/14/2026
• Hiring Agency/Seniority Unit: DCYF / Managerial
• Division/Unit: DCYF / Human Resources
• Work Shift: Day Shift
• Work Hours: 8:00 AM -4:30 PM
• Days of Work: Monday - Friday
• Travel Required: No*
• Salary Range: $46.51 - $66.81 / hourly; $97,112 - $139,499 / annually
• Classified Status: Unclassified
• Bargaining Unit/Union: 220 - Manager/Unrep
• End Date: 03/30/2027
• FLSA Status: Exempt - Executive
• Designated in Connect 700 Program for Applicants with Disabilities: No

Working Title: Labor Relations Manager

Job Class: Labor Relations Manager

Agency: Children Youth & Families Dept

• Job ID: 96166
• Location: St. Paul
• Telework Eligible: Yes, up to 50%
• Full/Part Time: Full-Time
• Regular/Temporary: Limited, expected to last up to 3/30/2027.
• Who May Apply: Open to all qualified job seekers.
• Date Posted: 09/03/2026
• Closing Date: 09/14/2026
• Hiring Agency/Seniority Unit: DCYF / Managerial
• Division/Unit: DCYF / Human Resources
• Work Shift: Day Shift
• Work Hours: 8:00 AM -4:30 PM
• Days of Work: Monday - Friday
• Travel Required: No*
• Salary Range: $46.51 - $66.81 / hourly; $97,112 - $139,499 / annually
• Classified Status: Unclassified
• Bargaining Unit/Union: 220 - Manager/Unrep
• End Date: 03/30/2027
• FLSA Status: Exempt - Executive
• Designated in Connect 700 Program for Applicants with Disabilities: No

The Department of Children, Youth, and Families is unable to provide sponsorship for work visas. Applicants must be eligible to work in the United States at the start of employment. DCYF does not participate in E-Verify.

The work you'll do is more than just a job.

At the State of Minnesota, employees play a critical role in developing policies, providing essential services, and working to improve the well-being and quality of life for all Minnesotans. The State of Minnesota is committed to equity and inclusion, and invests in employees by providing benefits, support resources, and training and development opportunities.

*Telework (Within Minnesota or neighboring states) and flexible hours options are available.

• This position is temporary and includes full state fringe benefits; the position is expected to last up to 3/30/2027.
• Current state employees may request and take an unclassified leave if they should be offered and accept this appointment, please refer to your labor contract/salary plan for more details.
• This position was previously posted 8/08 - 8/17. Current applicants need not reapply.

The Department Of Children, Youth, And Families (DCYF) Is Excited To Announce That We Are Hiring a Labor Relations Manager. The Labor Relations Manager Will Contribute To DCYF Mission, Vision, And Objectives. In Partnership With Our Human Resources Director (HRD4) You Will

• Manage the work unit.
• Instruct, and train direct and indirect staff.
• Ensure that other human resource staff in the department receive development opportunities and experience in LR consulting, employee relations, and investigative standards and best practices.

Minimum Qualifications

• To facilitate proper crediting, please ensure that your resume clearly describes your experience in the areas listed and indicates the beginning and ending month, day and year for each job held.**

Demonstrated leadership experience which may include any of the following:

• Experience as a supervisor, team lead, lead worker, OR project lead*
• Completion of a State leadership development program, such as Emerging Leaders Institute (ELI) or Senior Leadership Institute (SLI)
• Completion of a similar or equivalent leadership development program through another organization
• A paid or unpaid position leading a program or chairing a committee, such as an Employee Resource Group (ERG) which the experience must also include:
• A project lead provides leadership, guidance, and advanced specialized technical expertise for a team doing evaluation, development, design, testing, and/or implementation in a project environment.

AND

Five (5) years of experience labor or employee relations experience, including experience in collective bargaining negotiations, contract administration and interpretations, conducting investigations, writing investigative reports, and hearing and responding to grievances.

• Demonstrated leadership experience including skills in conflict management and consensus building with diverse groups to solve sensitive problems and management skills to analyze and resolve ambiguous or controversial situations and make difficult situations.
• Experience developing collaborative working relationships with employees, management, and unions.

Preferred Qualifications

• Leadership experience in human resources or labor relations at the State of Minnesota or other government sectors.
• Experience in investigative principles and techniques for conducting employee investigations and in assessing and recommending appropriate corrective action to management'
• Experience with the State of Minnesota’s personnel system, policies, administrative procedures, and state and federal laws.
• Master's Degree in Human Resources, Juris Doctorate, or related field as determined by the agency.
• Variety of experiences working effectively with others from different backgrounds and cultures.

Additional Requirements

It is the policy of the Department of Children, Youth, and Families that the individual selected for this position successfully complete a background investigation prior to employment, that may include the following components:

• Reference check
• Criminal Background check
• Fingerprinting check (MNJIS/CJIS)
• Driver’s License Check
• Personnel File Review: all current and former public sector employees
• Additional assessment may be required during the interview process

About Children Youth & Families Dept

Our state depends on the success of Minnesota children, youth and families. The Department of Children, Youth, and Families puts children at the center of state government, creating a permanent state agency and commissioner focused on elevating children and families in policy and budget decisions.

This realigns state government to advance equitable outcomes for children, youth, and families through transformative, partnership-driven policies, programs and practices.

Working together to improve the state we love.

What do Minnesota's State employees have in common?

• A sense of purpose in their work
• Connection with their coworkers and communities
• Opportunities for personal and professional growth

Benefits

As an employee, you'll have access to one of the most affordable health insurance plans in Minnesota, along with other benefits to help you and your family be well.

Your Benefits May Include

• Paid vacation and sick leave
• 12 paid holidays each year
• Low-cost medical, dental, vision, and prescription drug plans
  • Fertility care, including IVF
  • Diabetes care
  • Dental and orthodontic care for adults and children
• 6 weeks paid leave for parents of newborn or newly adopted children
• Pension plan that provides income when you retire (after working at least three years)
• Employer paid life insurance to provide support for your family in the event of death
• Short-term and long-term disability insurance that can provide income if you are unable to work due to illness or injury
• Tax-free expense accounts for health, dental, and dependent care
• Resources that provide support and promote physical, emotional, social, and financial well-being

Support To Help You Reach Your Career Goals

• Training, classes, and professional development
• Tuition reimbursement
• Federal Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program (Some positions may qualify for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program. For more information, visit the Federal Student Aid website at studentaid.gov)

Employee Assistance Program (EAP) For Work/life Support

• A voluntary confidential program that helps employees and their families with life challenges that may impact overall health, personal well-being, or job performance
• Common sources of stress can be addressed through the EAP: mental health, relationship challenges (personal and work), grief and loss, finances, and legal issues
• Daily Living/Convenience Services: Chore services, home repair, trip planning, child/elder care

Programs, resources and benefits eligibility varies

Based on type of employment, agency, funding availability, union/collective bargaining agreement, location, and length of service with the State of Minnesota.

EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYERS

Minnesota state agencies are equal opportunity, affirmative action, and veteran-friendly employers. State agencies are committed to creating a workforce that reflects the diversity of the state and strongly encourages persons of color and Indigenous communities, members of the LGBTQIA2S+ community, individuals with disabilities, women, and veterans to apply. The varied experiences and perspectives of employees strengthen the work we do together and our ability to best serve Minnesotans.

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, and disabilities related to pregnancy or childbirth), gender identity, gender expression, marital status, familial status, age, sexual orientation, status regarding public assistance, disability, veteran status or activity in a local Human Rights Commission or any other characteristic protected by law.

Applicants With Disabilities

Minnesota state agencies make reasonable accommodations to their employees and applicants with disabilities. If you have a disability and need assistance in searching or applying for jobs with the State of Minnesota, call the Careers Help Desk at 651-259-3637 or email [e-mail] and let us know the support you need.